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Bhagavad Gita
for Schools
Page 3
The Path of Action
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Act, but act in a God-Centred manner |
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Sri Krishna teaches that action
is better than inaction. But action should be guarded, we should act in a manner
that frees us rather than binds us.
The method prescribed is to do everything to the best of our abilities
and offer the fruits of our action to God. This allows us to lead a God-centred life rather than an ego-centred
life. We have to bear in mind that we
are not the real ‘doers’; our essential nature the Atman (Self) is just a witness
to all our activities. ‘Actionless-ness’ in the
midst of action is the secret of this path. Law of Karma is law
of cause and effect that operates on a personal basis. Everything we do will
bear consequences which we have to bear. This makes us act in a responsible
manner and puts us in charge of our destiny. In Hinduism there is no God
sitting in judgment, our own actions dictate our future life or lives. |
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Reincarnation
Cycle of rebirth is called Samsara |
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Our essential nature is the Atman, and does not die with the body. It is eternal
and all pervading. Its nature is that of consciousness, existence and bliss.
The body is just the outer garment we inhabit. Just like old clothes this
outer covering is discarded when worn out. The cycle of birth, youth, old
age, death and rebirth, is called Samsar (the cycle of
rebirth). The soul continues to reincarnate until it realises God or as some prefer to say realizes
its essential nature as the spirit. Freedom from cycle of rebirth is called Moksha (end of delusion). The spiritual progress we
make in each lifetime is not wasted; we carry on with our work in the next
life. The only thing that comes with us when we die, are the fruits of our
actions and the character we have forged for ourselves. Ideas of Law of Karma
and Samsara offer a fairer system of after-life, as they offer measured
rewards for measured risks. |
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